Kathmandu, February 21

Nepal national women’s cricket team faced a 57-run defeat at the hands of Thailand in the ICC Women’s Asia Qualifier at Asian Institute of Technology Ground in Bangkok today.

Batting first, the home team posted 124-7 in their allotted 20 overs before Nepal reached 67-8. Nepal had defeated Malaysia in the first match, are at the fourth position with two points. The United Arab Emirates are at the top with six points, while Thailand and China have four each.

Chasing a modest target, Nepal made a horrible start with the bat losing openers Kajal Shrestha and Roma Thapa with just two runs on the board. Skipper Rubina Chhetry Belbashi (three) also fell cheaply before Indu Barma and Sita Rana Magar added 46 runs for the fourth wicket.

Barma top scored for Nepal with 29 off 44 balls, while Rana Magar scored 18 off 34 balls. Both the batters struck one four each.

Sornnarin Tippoch took two wickets for Thailand, while Nattaya Boochatham, Chanida Sutthiruang and Suleeporn Laomi claimed one each.

Earlier, Chanida Sutthiruang top scored for home team with 35 off 29 balls hitting three fours, while Wongpaka Liengprasert remained unbeaten on 27-ball 28 that included a four.

Naruemol Chaiwai scored 32 off just 27 balls hitting three fours.

Kabita Kunwar (2-28) and Nary Thapa (2-15) shared four wickets between them, while skipper Rubina Chhetry Belbashi and Karuna Bhandari grabbed one wicket each.

Nepal will face the United Arab Emirates on Friday. The seven-team tournament also serves as the qualifiers for the T20 and 50-over World Cups. The winners will earn berth in both the World Cup qualifiers.